Dramatic design and technology drove Cadillac Escalade to the top of the large luxury SUV category, in terms of both image and sales. In 2009, Escalade extends that leadership thanks to the world’s first hybrid in the large luxury SUV class, as well as a new ultra-luxury Platinum Edition with even more segment-first technologies. Escalade Hybrid delivers a 50-percent fuel economy improvement in city driving. A separate release outlining the Escalade Hybrid’s features is part of Cadillac’s 2009 product information.

Escalade Platinum is the fullest expression of the brand’s dramatic design, luxury and technology. The ’09 Escalade Platinum becomes one of the most technically advanced SUVs with the additions of segment-first LED headlamps and the world’s fastest-acting suspension, Cadillac’s Magnetic Ride Control. Magnetic Ride Control, standard on the Platinum Edition, also becomes available as an option on other Escalade models in 2009.

“The Platinum Edition extends Escalade’s continuing status as the large luxury SUV of choice for top consumers,” said Jim Taylor, Cadillac general manager. “Escalade Platinum offers even more dramatic design and technology, the pillars of Cadillac’s overall renaissance.”

Escalade lineup

Escalade continues to offer the most complete model lineup in the luxury SUV category, with three distinct body styles. The standard Escalade is joined by the extended “maximum passenger and cargo space” ESV model, as well as the innovative EXT model. The EXT model features a reconfigurable cargo bed, including the segment-exclusive Midgate that enables the rear compartment to flex between passenger and cargo space.

The Escalade lineup features integrated powertrain, chassis, safety and interior systems that deliver the most powerful, efficient luxury SUVs in the segment, led by a 6.2L all-aluminum V-8 engine with variable valve timing technology delivering 403 horsepower (301 kW)* and 417 lb.-ft. of torque (565 Nm).* The 6.2L engine has been revised to run using renewable E85 ethanol, making it a flex-fuel vehicle for the first time.

The Escalade and Escalade ESV are available in AWD and 2WD configurations. The Escalade EXT sport-utility truck features standard, full-time AWD. A strong frame and chassis support the Escalade’s robust powertrain and enable exceptional responsiveness and ride and handling smoothness.

Large, four-wheel disc brakes and a Bosch ABS system help ensure braking performance. ABS works with the StabiliTrak stability control system’s rollover mitigation technology. This software algorithm technology uses sensors to proactively predict vehicle “tip-up” and apply appropriate brake force to help prevent such events.

New technology

A host of enhancements for 2009 reinforce the Escalade’s position as a technology leader, with integrated features designed to bolster comfort, convenience and safety. The new features include:

Side Blind Zone Alert – This safety system uses ultrasonic sensors behind the rear fascia on both sides of the vehicle that signal an audible and visual alert if objects are detected in “blind zones.” It is offered on all models.

XM Satellite Radio with NavTraffic – Real-time traffic conditions and advisements are conveyed through the satellite radio system, enabling the driver to react quickly to changing driving conditions ( U.S. only).

In addition to the technology enhancements for ’09, the Escalade lineup shares a number of additional changes and revisions, including:

New power-tilting steering wheel

Express-up power windows for the front row

New Light Cashmere/Cocoa interior color combination

Rear-seat audio jacks standard on all models

Magnetic Ride Control partnered with all 22-inch wheel/tire combinations

Escalade Platinum

Offered on Escalade and the extended-length Escalade ESV, the Platinum edition includes a blend of technical innovations and aesthetic enhancements. The exterior features a unique front fascia and grille patterned after Cadillac’s acclaimed and hot-selling CTS sport sedan. The Platinum includes unique 22-inch wheels and wears exclusive Platinum exterior badges.

Magnetic Ride Control is the world’s fastest reacting suspension system and gives the Escalade Platinum more precise body motion control. It is a real-time damping system – “reading” the road in 1-millisecond intervals – that replaces conventional mechanical-valve shocks with electronically controlled shocks filled with a synthetic fluid containing minute iron particles. Under the presence of magnetic charge, the iron particles align to provide damping resistance almost instantly.

The LED headlamps emulate the characteristics of natural daylight much more closely than traditional auto lighting. LEDs are environmentally friendly, with a usable life more than 20 times longer than traditional halogen bulbs.

Inside the Escalade Platinum is the latest example of Cadillac’s 21 st-century return to handcrafted luxury details. The instrument panel, center storage console and door trim are wrapped and stitched by hand. They feature decorative French seams that convey an elegantly tailored look and feel. Materials include rich leather on the instrument panel, with unique wood inlays and aluminum trim.

Aniline leather is unique to the Escalade Platinum and is used to trim the first- and second-row seats. Contrasting-color stitching is used on the French seams for a distinctive, luxurious appearance and the seatbacks feature embroidered Cadillac wreath and crest insignias. The leather-covered seats are comfortable and convenient, with the industry-exclusive power fold-and-tumble second-row seat feature that eases access to the third-row seat.

Additional standard interior features include Platinum-specific door sills and floor mats; a heated steering wheel; and heated and cooled cupholders and a power liftgate that opens and closes with the touch of a button. Also, the DVD entertainment system adds screens integrated into each front-seat headrest, in addition to the existing roof-mounted screen.

Each front-row headrest screen has its own driver and input controls. The headrest units can be operated independently or in tandem. This system enables passengers in different seats to watch or listen to different entertainment choices. Escalade Platinum models will include the acclaimed Bose 5.1 Digital Surround system, as well as the eight-inch touch screen for DVD-based navigation and control of the DVD, CD, MP3 and XM Satellite Radio entertainment.

Escalade design

Escalade sports a sleek, clean and athletic form with improved aerodynamics. It is instantly identifiable as a Cadillac and incorporates styling cues from Cadillac’s landmark Sixteen concept vehicle, including a detailed signature grille, front fender vent ports and layers of chrome accents.

Details in elements such as wraparound fascias, styled mirrors and integrated running boards enhance Escalade’s flowing design, enabling a look that is both aggressive and elegant. The sleek, toned look includes a windshield angle of 57 degrees, which flows gracefully into the roofline. It also enhances aerodynamic performance to a segment-best 0.363 coefficient of drag, which helps improve fuel economy and reduce wind noise.

Escalade interior

The warm and inviting interior features a premium and distinct layout not shared by other GM full-size SUVs. The cabin, which comes in two colors, Ebony and Cashmere, also is spacious, with an instrument panel that is lower and moved forward in the vehicle.

The vehicle features a unique instrument panel; instrumentation gauges with white needles and blue light inlays with continuously lit, white-LED backlighting; Nuance leather-covered seats; leather-covered door trim and center console; fabric-covered interior pillars; and an available heated steering wheel. A power-assisted rear liftgate that opens and closes with the touch of a button also is standard.

Escalade delivers convenience with an industry-exclusive power fold-and-tumble second-row seat feature that eases access to the third-row seat, and a power-assisted rear liftgate that opens and closes with the touch of a button.

Escalade also includes an available eight-inch touch-screen navigation system, as well as a DVD system with a large, eight-inch flip-down screen. A segment-first Bose 5.1 Digital Surround Sound system is integrated into a family of radios that play DVD audio/video, CD audio/video, MP3s and XM Satellite Radio.

Powertrain

A 6.2L V-8 rated at 403 horsepower (301 kW)* and 417 lb.-ft. of torque (565 Nm)* is exclusive to the Escalade family. This all-aluminum engine uses v ariable valve timing (VVT) to optimize camshaft timing to improve low-rpm torque and high-rpm horsepower. The introduction of variable valve timing through the unique, dual-equal cam phaser is the industry’s first application of VVT on a mass-produced V-8 overhead-valve engine.

A Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission is matched with the 6.2L engine. One of the industry’s most advanced automatics, the 6L80 features clutch-to-clutch shifting and has a wide, 6.04:1 overall ratio – including two overdrive gears – that helps deliver an excellent balance of performance and fuel economy.

Safety

Escalade is designed to be among the industry’s safest and most secure vehicles, with numerous safety systems and crash-avoidance technologies. Occupant protection features include head curtain side air bags with rollover protection for all seating rows and an industry-first 360-degree front safety belt pretensioner activation system.

In keeping with Cadillac’s reputation for advanced technology, OnStar-equipped Escalade models feature Generation 7 technology and OnStar’s Turn-by-Turn Navigation, the first factory-installed, fully integrated GPS navigation system from OnStar. Turn-by-Turn allows consumers to talk to a live advisor, who in turn sends complete step-by-step directions to customers' vehicles through their OnStar system. These audio directions automatically play through the vehicle’s stereo as needed, triggered by the OnStar system’s GPS capabilities. This enables drivers to be led to their destination while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

Escalade ESV

The 2008 Cadillac Escalade ESV is the largest member of the Escalade family, offering maximum passenger accommodations and cargo capacity. Combining power, size and strength with trademark Cadillac styling and technology, the full-size Escalade ESV has strongly positioned Cadillac in the large luxury SUV market.

The vehicle is 21 inches (53.4 cm) longer than Escalade, translating into more premium seating and cargo-carrying capability. It features all the same elements and features as the standard Escalade, but adds an additional DVD system and set of headphones with a large, eight-inch flip-down screen for third-row passengers.

The EXT model is a unique Sport Utility Truck (SUT) body style, giving it a part-SUV, part-pickup profile. With the industry-exclusive Midgate panel, owners can easily convert the EXT from a five-passenger SUV into a two-passenger pickup with eight feet of protected and secured storage. The Midgate, located behind the rear seat, can be folded into the cabin, enabling the cargo area to expand from five feet to eight feet, for a total of 101 cubic feet in secured volume. A lockable, standard tonneau cover protects items in the cargo bed, or can be removed entirely for added space.